Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine measures taken toward recruitment and retention of nursing staff, and associated difficulties and turnover ratio employing a complete hospital survey in a selected prefecture. We mailed and distributed anonymous self-administered questionnaires to all hospitals in a selected prefecture. The response rate was 33%（N=120 hospitals） and the data was used for analysis. Results showed that the mean cost for hiring one nursing staff was 101,829 yen（median=34,473 yen）. For recruitment of nursing staff, 24% of the hospitals introduced a scholarship system for student nurses, while 22% used temporary staff services, and 6% used a private recruiting agency. Half of the hospitals answered that recruitment and retention of nursing staff are difficult. The findings that current conditions of measures taken toward recruitment and retention of nursing staff, and associated difficulties and turnover ratio suggested that the hospitals would require further efforts for recruitment and retention of nursing staff from the perspective of all nursing staff.
